Get a head start on holiday shopping

Brace Yourself with Charm

Photograph by: Jason Dziver
, Calgary Herald

Here are some ideas for everyone on your list.

Play House!

An iconic symbol of childhood, youngsters have played with dollhouses for centuries. This colourful yet sturdy Playmobil house, $179.99, will entertain little ones for hours with its never-ending possibilities in the land of make-believe. From a selection of wood and plastic dollhouses, starting from$49.99, at Castle Toys, 101,5718 1A St. S.W.,403-258-1100, castletoys.ca.

Get cosy and lounge in style with these flannel leopard-print pyjamas (styles also available in linen and cotton), from $95, and matching slippers (in sizes 5 to 12), from $55. Or come into the store to see the unisex Kashwere robes, one of "Oprah Oprah's Favourite Things," $165. From Melange for the Home, 940c 2nd Ave. N.W., 403-270-9687.

Friendly Faces

Put a smile on anyone's face--young or old--with this collection of adorably quirky plush animals from Deglingos Plush Animals. This charming trio of a wolf, a chicken and a rat, $ 44.98 for all three, comes from the Funky bunch, while the rattle-and-squeaker versions of the dog, lobster and rat, $15.98, are sure to delight the smaller set. From a selection at Sweet Cheeks Children's Boutique, 151,5005 Dalhousie Dr. N.W.,403-247-4749, sweetcheekschild.com.

Coat of Many Colours

Versatility is the key to building a wardrobe, whether it's for outfitting a man or a woman. Add a dash of chic to any man's clothing collection with this lightweight sports coat by Coppley, $295. The shirt-style, relaxed-fit, faux-suede jacket pairs easily with denim for a more dressed-down take, but can also be jazzed up for evening. Available in five colours at Thomas Jeffery Men's Wear, Scotia Centre, 403-265-2081, and Southcentre, 403-278-2445.

He'll Think He Scored

Put the puck between the pipes with these cufflinks, $95, available in the logo of most NHL teams. For the impartial spectator, the pairs featuring a sterling-silver hockey player, $195, and goalie mask, $85, are sophisticated winks to the good ol' hockey game. Available exclusively at Thomas Jeffery Men's Wear, Scotia Centre, 403-265-2081, and Southcentre, 403-278-2445.

Eye-Catching Crystals

This season is all about updating what's already in your closet. The eye-catching sparkle and shine of these necklaces--handmade by Joanna Bisley Designs with Swarovski crystals, sterling silver and Balinesebeads--fits that mandate to a T. Complete the look with a selection of matching bracelets and earrings. Necklaces, $163 each, from a selection at Joints, 1145 Kensington Cres. N.W., 403-270-0030. For design inquiries, e-mail Joanna Bisley at jbdesigns@shaw.ca.

A Night on the Town

This trio--a Trixie necklace by Kellie Sutton, $98; a silver clutch, $38; and ruffled gloves by Echo Design, $33adds a splash of style when it's time to hit the town this cocktail season. And since it's always better to give than to receive, keep these three in mind when it's time to surprise the accessories lover in your life. At The Gorgeous Store, 1005B 1st St. S.W., 403-269-1699, gorgeousstore.ca.

The Science of Caring for Skin

Looking for instant yet long-lasting results? The revolutionary mineral makeup in Sunforgettable, $63, offers protection from harsh elements, and the Line Tamer Skin Brightener, $60, smoothes and soothes while the Classic Corrector Kit, $65, and Pressed Mineral Compact, $65, are all about coverage. From a selection at Britannia Dermedics, 817A 49th Ave. S.W., 403-984-4313, britanniadermedics.com.

Pretty as a Picture

This absorbingly tactile canvas by Wendy Ibuki would be an amazing addition to any interior, with its scale and variety of media. In creating her work, the Calgary abstract artist uses watercolours, acrylic paint and oil pigments. "Happiness," $3,400. From a selection of original paintings at Domaine, 8, 7130 Fisher Rd. S.E., 403-301-2339, domainefurnishings.com.

Although undeniably elegant, these handcrafted glass tables contain a whisper of whimsy. Earthy character comes together with sleek contemporary style in the Kismet Inny and Outty (the Kolkka collection starts at $1,500), adorned with gold-leaf spheres and leaf-trip ebony. From a selection at Domaine, 8, 7130 Fisher Rd. S.E., 403-301-2339, domainefurnishings.com.

Rocky Mountain High

Since the family that plays together, stays together, the Lake Louise Ski Card, $99, is a must-have. The card includes two free days anytime during the season and reduces your lift ticket to $50 on subsequent visits. (Youths 13-17 and seniors ski for $40.) Plus, skip lineups with a free direct-to-lift upgrade--woo-hoo!--and take advantage of bonus discounts on lift passes at other ski areas, lodging in Lake Louise and Banff, as well as food and retail. Ski Louise, 1-877-956-8473, skilouise.com.

A Luvvin' Spoonful... or Two

Give the gift of freedom from the dreaded phrase: "What's for dinner tonight?" Make a friend or loved one's life a little easier this holiday season with the gift of delicious and nutritious catered meals. Choose from a variety of "luv packages"--including elegant mamaluv gift card, meals, and gift bag--from as little as $59. Perfect for everyone on your list and for every occasion: new baby, get-well, sympathy, or, simply because. You pickyour budget, they pick their meals! Available throughout Alberta, B.C., Ontario and Quebec. Mamaluv, 1-888-662-6258, mamaluv.ca.

High Fashion Meets Function

These stunning conversation starters feature raw silk moulded sensuously over a metal frame. And the luxe look of the Perlina, $1,295, can be tailored to your space, as it can be used as a table lamp or as a pendant. From a selection at Domaine, 8, 7130 Fisher Rd. S.E., 403-301-2339, domainefurnishings.com.

Treat Yourself

True to its moniker, at Spa Europa things are done the European way. Each treatment is specifically designed for the client and for his or her skin needs--nothing is standard. Choose from a variety of facials--including the European Facial, $89, with no time limit-- massage treatments, hair removal, laser treatments and more. And Mondays are all about men. Spa Europa, 100E, 1029 17th Ave. S.W., 403-229-1578, spa-europa.com.

Light Up Your Life

Remove the shocking zap! that accompanies Alberta winters with these Himalayan salt lamps and candleholders, which neutralize static. As natural ionizers, the intriguing creations offer essential health benefits by purifying and improving the quality of the surrounding air. Candleholders start at $14; lamps are $22 for small, $30 for medium, and $40 for large, while the egg-shaped lamp is $46. From a selection at The Divine Mine, 222, 11566 24th St. S.E., 403-279-9555, divinemine.com.

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